Mobile home owners are particularly vulnerable in tornados and have a higher likelihood of tornado-related death than residents of other housing units, a new study by Michigan State University researchers finds. Further, counties with large income disparities are more vulnerable in tornadoes, according to the study, “Double Danger in the Double Wide: Dimensions of Poverty, Housing Quality, and Tornado Impacts,” appearing in the journal Region
Mortgage rates were mostly in a holding pattern this week, which may have been welcome news to borrowers after last week’s uptick.“The 10-year Treasury yield remained relatively flat this week, as did the 30-year mortgage rate, which fell 1 basis point to 4.02 percent,” says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Markets have been erring on the side of caution following a weak advance estimate for first-quarter GDP and the FOMC
Real estate professionals need to overcome any fear of appearing needy or feeling like they’re imposing on others when they ask for business.However, it’s important to approach the situation with tact. Marketing expert and business strategist Marc Gordon has five tips. Don’t be shy. A simple straightforward face-to-face ask can be very effective. Here’s what Gordon suggests: "As you know, in my business referrals are everything. If you kn
Give potential clients the proof they need to trust youKey Takeaways Testimonials can do more for you business by establishing trust between you and potential clients. Testimonials serve as undeniable proof of your capabilities.Have you ever chosen a restaurant or hotel based on the reviews you read on sites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp?If you’re like most, you rely on those other opinions to guide your own decisions despite the fact that you k
First-time home buyers are showing a strong desire for taking on remodeling projects. First-time buyer renovators in 2016 spent $33,800, on average, on their projects. That marks a 22 percent increase over 2015, according to the sixth annual Houzz & Home survey of more than 100,000 respondents in the U.S.“Younger and cash-constrained first-time buyers are responding to the low inventory of affordable homes by purchasing properties that requ
The Federal Reserve voted Wednesday to leave its benchmark interest rate alone, citing signs of a slowing economy between the January-to-March quarter. The benchmark rate will stay low, near 1 percent. However, the Fed cautions that it expects that a strengthening economy and job market in the coming months will justify a higher rate later this year.Mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to the Fed’s benchmark rate but are often influenced by th
After the recession, renters—particularly millennials—were flocking to urban areas, and as such, urban apartment construction surged to record-high levels. But now, a new study shows that's changing. Renters are now targeting the suburbs in greater numbers.From 2011 to 2015, suburban areas outpaced urban areas in renter household gains in 19 of the 20 largest U.S. metros. The suburbs of St. Louis, Atlanta, Boston, and Riverside, Calif., all g
Fewer companies are offering mortgage assistance as part of their relocation packages to employees, The Wall Street Journal reports.Just 4 percent of employers say they’re offering mortgage assistance to their relocating employees, according to a survey of 3,490 human resources professionals in January 2016 conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management. Just 3 percent say they offer down-payment assistance, while 8 percent offer reimbu
A new scam, circulating the internet on Wednesday, is masking itself as Google Docs as it tries to gain access to your contacts and address book. The reports were widespread Wednesday by those claiming they received an email asking them to open a document in Google Docs from one of their contacts. At surface level, the document doesn’t appear suspicious.If you click on the link, you’ll be taken to a Google login screen and you’ll continue t
Of all the architectural and lifestyle features buyers have an eye on these days, pet-friendly accommodations are coming up strong.A recent report from the National Association of REALTORS® says that 81% of consumers take their pets into account as they seek their living situations, and developers are even creating pet-friendly subdivisions and developments. Dogs are currently part of approximately 37% of American homes and cats are included in
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